JEFF EVERITT FHFST

ACHILLES TENDON INJURIES

During the winter months there appears to have been an increase in the number of Achilles Tendon injuries arriving at my clinics. Achilles Tendonitis can be very painful and recovery can be slow. The following advice may help prevent you from getting this injury and, if you are unlucky enough to get it, will tell you how to take some early action to prevent it from deteriorating.

WHAT IS THE ACHILLES TENDON?

It is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. At one end it attaches to the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) and at the other end to the heel bone (calcaneus). When the calf muscles tighten it causes the foot to push off.

WHAT IS ACHILLES TENDONITIS?

Achilles tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendon and can have many causes - too much hill running, running on hard surfaces, tight calf muscles, jumping, or having feet that overpronate (flat feet).

SYMPTOMS

Pain at the back of the ankle (see diagram) during and after exercise. Running, especially uphill, and jumping can be very painful.

TREATMENT

As soon as pain is felt stop exercising, ice the area over the next two days, gently stretch and cease any movement that causes pain. It is important that treatment is sought from a qualified therapist if pain is still present after 48 hours. If left the condition can become chronic, leading to calcification (hardening of the tissue) in the tendon or even worse a partial or full rupture of the tendon, possibly leading to the requirement for surgery followed by several weeks in plaster.

PREVENTION

Do not run in unsuitable or worn out footwear.

Run off-road as much as possible.

Limit your amount of hill training.

Have your gait checked to ensure that you are wearing the correct type of running shoe.